Monmouth in the News

MARTINA MCBRIDE TO DONATE $5 PER TICKET FROM THIS SUNDAY'S CONCERT TO SANDY RELIEF EFFORT

SuperstarMartina McBride hoped her"Joy of Christmas" concert at theMAC at Monmouth University inWest Long Branch, New Jersey onDecember 9, 2012 would bring some much-needed holiday cheer to the area devastated by superstorm Sandy. But wanting to do more, the award-winning artist has committed to donate $5.00 from every ticket sold at the MAC concert toNew Jersey Hometown Heroes, an organization that has been a leader in providing assistance to the communities affected by the catastrophic hurricane.

At each of her "Joy of Christmas" concerts, Martina invites a local celebrity on stage to recite "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas." Former NHL star and lifelong New Jersey resident Jim Dowd will play the part at the West Long Branch stop. Dowd, who won the 1995 Stanley Cup with his hometown New Jersey Devils, has been an active participant in the cleanup efforts in the area.

"Watching the news and seeing pictures of the terrible destruction from Sandy and talking to friends and fans in the Northeast, I knew we had to do something to help," said Martina. "And to have a real hometown hero like Jim Dowd come out to celebrate with us will be a real treat for everyone."

The MAC at Monmouth University is a mere mile from Sea Bright, a community in New Jersey that was devastated by the storm. As the promoter of the concert, local AEG employees have been very involved in the recovery and volunteer effort there. While the camaraderie and humanity witnessed over the last four weeks has been inspirational, the destruction is still surreal and raw to many, according to AEG's Jon Vena.

"This will be a tremendous night out and an opportunity for many to kick back and enjoy a wonderful night of music," added Vena. "We're all looking forward to it."

In keeping with the community theme, ballerinas from the local Spring Lake School of Dance will join Martina for a song during her performance.

Tickets for the MAC at Monmouth University are available at the venue box office, Ticketmaster.com or by calling 800.745.3000. Additional information on the MAC can be found at www.macatmonmouth.com .

About Martina McBride:

A three-time Academy of Country Music "Top Female Vocalist" award winner, four-time Country Music Association "Female Vocalist of the Year" and GRAMMY®-winning recording artist, Martina McBride has sold more than 18 million albums and garnered numerous #1 hits throughout her career. Her "Joy of Christmas" Tour will hit 16 cities through December 21, 2012. She was recently announced as the special guest on George Strait's final tour, The Cowboy Rides Away Tour, which begins January 18, 2013 in Lubbock, Texas. www.MartinaMcBride.com, Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/martinamcbride?fref=ts or Twitter @MartinaMcBride.

About NJ Hometown Heroes:

Hometown Heroes is an incorporated organization founded in 2008 to provide assistance to the community at large and help any individual or family regardless of ethnicity, gender and age that suddenly finds themselves in a crisis. Hometown Heroes' main purpose is to foster an environment of goodwill, generosity, and encouragement by supporting local communities when unexpected needs arise during a crisis without discrimination towards an individual's ethnicity, gender, and age. The organization provides an opportunity for all of us to give back to the community through professional assistance, financial assistance, and advocacy. Hometown Heroes helps those in need, often with little or no time, to find a solution to a problem that at the time appears overwhelming.